Nobody likes to face the heat alone. When summer rolls around, social events are always on the horizon, and it is a good idea to be prepared. Fortunately, you do not have to be a master party planner to throw impressive summer cookouts.
Planning & Organizing Summer Cookouts
The next time you are going to be organizing a party, check out some of these easy ideas to impress your guests.
Make Signature Cocktails
Nothing says summer like a refreshing cocktail, so make yours stand out by creating a signature drink for your party. Seasonal fruits and herbs make great additions to any cocktail, so try to get creative and mix up something unique for a theme. Your guests will be impressed with your bartending skills, and they will love sipping on something new.
Serve Seasonal Fare
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all the delicious seasonal produce that is available only at this time of year. Incorporate some of these items into your cookout menu for a fresh and flavorful meal that everyone will love. From watermelon salad to grilled peaches, there are endless possibilities when it comes to adding seasonal fruits and vegetables into your cookout spread.
Create Custom Pizzas
Everyone loves a good pizza, but not everyone agrees on toppings. Just say the words “pineapple” and “pizza” together and you’ll have an ongoing debate on whether this fruit belongs with the classic dish. To make your summer cookout a hit, make a custom pizza bar. You can include all the typical toppings, as well as some unique ingredients to spice things up.
This is best done with an outdoor pizza oven. These aren’t as hard to locate as you may think. There are some great manufacturers who focus specifically on this appliance, such as Wood Fired Pizza Oven Worldwide WPPOLLC. Scout out the best choice for you to make this pizza party come to life!
Set Up an Outdoor Movie Night
Nothing says summer fun like an outdoor movie night. Set up a projector and screen in your backyard and invite your guests to bring their favorite lawn chairs or blankets. Pop some popcorn, grab some snacks, and settle in for a fun-filled evening under the stars. Ask around for movies that your guests will want to enjoy, and opt to run a show marathon if that feels more your speed.
Play Lawn Games
Lawn games are a great way to keep your guests entertained at your cookout. From cornhole to Kan Jam, there are plenty of options to choose from. Set up a few games around your yard and let the games act as a prelude to your summer menu.
Design a DIY Photo Booth
A photo booth is always a hit at parties, so why not set one up at your cookout? Gather some props and backdrops and set them up in a designated area of your yard. Your guests will have a blast snapping photos with their friends and they’ll love being able to take home their own prints as party favors.
Incorporating any of these options into your summer gathering will make it a hit! Whether you decide to make pizza and a photo booth, or add all of these elements—your cookout will be one to remember.
About the Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
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